According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the suicide rate for youth and young adults has increased by 60% in the US since 2011. We spoke with Dr. Daniel Castellanos, Founding Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education, and Professor of Psychiatry at Creighton University School of Medicine, on the issue.

Historically, Latinos have faced more barriers to seeking mental health services compared to non-Latinos, and cultural dynamics have contributed to Latinos not seeking support.

“The rates of depression have increased,” said Dr. Castellanos. “We also know that Latinos and Latino youth have a whole wealth of health disparities that teens and their families face, such as things like poverty, sub- optimal education, issues with access to appropriate health care and mental health services.”

Castellanos said Latinos suffer from other stressors including racism, community aggression and violence, and even immigration issues are common.

“Stigma is a huge issue, especially in the Latino community, that hinders not only recognition but taking the next step in accessing and dealing with our systems of care to get services,” said Dr. Castellanos.

Depression should be seen as a health problem that needs to be treated, added Dr. Castellanos.

“A parent should see treatment if that depression worsens and or interferes with the work of that young person. Suicidal thoughts, that’s a flag, and that should alert a parent to the thought. ‘Maybe I need to get my child evaluated,’” said Dr. Castellanos.

Open communication and teaching children coping skills, resilience, and how to deal with problems becomes the basis for solutions when issues arise.

“Depression can occur at any age. Now it is becoming more common in young people and teenagers. We want to do more active things early to help,” said Dr. Castellanos.

Castellanos said investigating and trying to get more information is key to seeing what happened.

“Ask about thoughts of death and or suicide because that’s a myth. The myth is, people say ‘Oh, if I ask about it, it’ll put the thought into the teenage mind,’ and that’s not true. It is a way of understanding and evaluating and hopefully intervening, if that person is suffering.

In this part:

Daniel Castellanos, Founding Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education, and Professor of Psychiatry at Creighton University School of Medicine